Saturday, December 31, 2016

(HAMILTON, Mont.) – The luxury Stock Farm Club in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley is constructing a new $7.5 million Recreational Facility that will offer amenities for the entire family. The facility is expected to be complete in June 2017. To learn more about membership and real estate opportunities at the Stock Farm Club, call 406-375-1887 or visit www.stockfarm.com.

The new facility includes a fitness center, men’s and women’s locker rooms, massage rooms and poolside grill on 9,663 square feet. It will replace the original, smaller facility west of the Clubhouse. A main pool, children’s pool, hot tub, pool deck, covered patios and basketball/pickleball court surround the new facility on an additional 18,600 square feet.

“We’re constantly working to offer Club Members the amenities and services they desire,” said John Reyhons, the Stock Farm Club’s General Manager. “As younger families and multiple generations spend more and more time at the club, we’re evolving along with them – with the Kids Kamp and an expanded Shooting Centre, more options for on- and off-property horseback adventures, stand-up paddleboarding and now this fantastic new facility that is sure to be a favorite.”

Club Members will be able to take advantage of cardio, weight and stretching areas and a motion studio in the gym, as well as steam rooms in the locker rooms. A separate game area and changing room are available for children. The south-facing pool deck will allow members to enjoy summer sunsets next to the outdoor fireplace.

The new grill will offer a casual, family-friendly dining option to complement the Clubhouse restaurant and bar. The new menu will include brick-oven pizza and dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients.

The new amenities will join the Stock Farm Club’s existing offerings, including the Tom Fazio-designed golf course that’s been ranked best in the state by Golf Digest magazine, equestrian and shooting centers, tennis courts, and hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.

The Recreational Facility was designed in the vernacular barn architecture style by A&E Architects in Bozeman, Montana.

To learn more about membership and real estate opportunities at the Stock Farm Club, call 406-375-1887 or visit www.stockfarm.com.

Friday, December 30, 2016

(RANCHO CUCAMONGA) - Nexbelt, "The Fastest Growing Belt In Golf," will be unveiling several new belt and buckle designs for 2017 in Booth #2057 at the PGA Merchandise Show January 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Some of the new belt and buckle designs for 2017 include:

PREMIUM PEBBLE GRAIN SERIES - Made from the finest leathers, these subtle combinations of contrasting colors offers a sporty look. The new buckle designed is offered in a modern aluminized finish. Eight color options: Black/Grey, White/Grey, Black/Aqua, Black/Orange, Black/Cobalt, Aqua/Lime, Camel/Orange and Cobalt/Grey.

HAMPTON II SERIES - Dress up while still looking casual. The Canvas strap has a leather strip and a leather backing for added durability.

NEWPORT II SERIES - Casual, colorful and stylish. These belts come in canvas and nylon materials with a leather backing for extra durability. It's a welcome addition to your casual wardrobe.

APOLLO SERIES - One of the most versatile belts in our collection for casual wear. Perfect for golf, date night, hanging with the guys and of course work. The buckles are available in Pewter, Black or Brass Finish.

VINTAGE SERIES - The distressed buckles and textured belts make the perfect combination for the relaxed look with a pair of chinos or a favorite pair of jeans.

FAITH SERIES - Great for formal or casual wear, this belt provides a reminder to you and to your friends the strength of your faith. Design options include, John 3:16, Cross and Star of David.

Nexbelt is known for their innovative technology and providing golfers with the maximum comfort and minimal adjusting. The unique ratcheting system called PreciseFit allows the wearer to adjust the belt in ¼ inch increments, providing the golfer with the best fit, feel, and fashion available.

Nexbelt is 100% committed to offering its customers superior customer service and the most innovative and technologically advanced products available.

Nexbelt's DRIVE Vision ...Deliver what we Promise with Integrity.Retain the Human touchInvest in Good People generously.Value our Customers Unconditionally.Embrace Change with Innovation.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

(RELEASE) - VPAR announces new updates for the hundreds of thousands of golfers using their free mobile app.

Updates include:
- Stats Tracking: Input your stats as you play and monitor your performance for greens in regulation, driving accuracy and putts per round. Get a better handle on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Challenges: App users can compete with friends or fellow VPAR golfers across the country or around the world. The “Challenges” tab enables entry into a diverse range of tournaments and competitions, giving golfers the excitement of seeing where they stand on live leaderboards.
- The Feed: Sharing experiences, keeping track of friends’ scores and reading the latest golf news in a personalized newsfeed makes it easier than ever to stay connected with the game you love. You can now show your appreciation for a buddy's great performance by giving them a 'fist bump'.

Friday, December 23, 2016

For those not blessed with a putting green in their house, allow me to suggest Putt-A-Round Golf. This nifty little gadget allows for 360-degree putting practice 365 days a year ... all in the comfort of your home.

Putt-A-Round is customizable

Open the box, screw a couple pieces together and you’re using it in under a minute. Easy as pie!

My favorite putting drill is “around the world,” which is perfect for the Putt-A-Round. Line up balls at four clock positions - 3, 6, 9 and 12 - from 3 feet. Make all four and move back to 4 feet. Keep moving back every time you make all four.

Even better ... these make excellent corporate gifts or tournament prizes. The flags are easily customizable with a logo. Give them out as prizes at the next company outing or as a one-of-a-kind gift.

No logo? No worries? Select a base ... Select a pre-printed flag ... And you’re done. Both options are $29.97. There’s even a gift kit, which comes with a blank flag and 10 fabric markers.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

(Kirkland, Wash.) - Harvey Partners has named industry veteran Randall Henry co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Overload Golf. Henry will focus on the BAR Incubator Fund, which brings emerging ideas, products and technology to golf using the team's expertise, networks and funding to develop the proper channel to create success.

Randall Henry

"I am very excited about joining Harvey Partners, and look forward to changing the golf industry through innovation," says Henry. "We have developed a structure to encourage and foster innovation in golf, and give people a platform through our BAR Fund to bring their innovation to the market. I'm really looking forward to forging new connections in this exciting opportunity. We changed the golf industry by bringing clubfitting to the masses, and now want to continue to innovate the industry with Overload Golf -- finding and connecting unseen dots to accelerate businesses."

Henry served the past 10 years in many roles holding the following titles President/GM of Henry-Griffitts, the world leader in custom fit golf clubs, while also serving over those years as Director of Business Innovations and Regional Manager for leading Golf Simulator company aboutGolf. He brings with him a unique array of innovative ideas, technological experience, relationships, and a thorough familiarity with the golf industry.

Overload Golf is an exclusive golf company that works with the industry's best -- bringing together complementary businesses, ideas, products, and markets, while applying innovation from other industries to golf. We provide valuable and unique resources and technologies. If a business needs something, Overload Golf will connect them with the appropriate partners, whether they're in need of marketing, investment, distribution networks, or anything that will accelerate them to the next level. We are excited to create synergies between golf businesses.

Jim Smith of Cleveland, OH, won his flight in the World Amateur Golfers Tour National Championship in September, which earned him a spot on Team USA in the World Championships in South Africa. There he finished third in his flight, and he contributed much of his success to the addition of the High Heat 3-wood to his bag.

Billy McAllister of England finished third in the World Blind Championship this year after coming in 19th the year before. He attributed a major reason for his success to his using the High Heat driver.

“I was hitting bad slices and losing distance when I came across the Knuth driver which I purchased in July 2016,” said McAllister. “Since using my High Heat driver I have been hitting many more fairways and carrying extra distance on average 25 yards.

“As we all know golf is a confidence game and using the Knuth driver my confidence was maximized. Even as a blind golfer I could feel that I could miss hit the center of the clubface and still there was not much deviation of the ball. Dean Knuth explained in a video of how the gear effect of this club works giving a bigger advantage to even a high handicapper like myself.

“To be able to hit a high percentage of fairways with extra distance is always a big advantage in golf. Now I have added the High Heat 3 wood and #3 hybrid and hopefully this will get me to become No. 1 in total blind golf.”

Smith was just as complimentary to High Heat.

“I’ve been playing golf for a long time and have tried my share of clubs and after trying the High Heat 3 wood this past June, I needed to have it,” said Smith, who carries a 7 handicap. “It was the easiest and straightest club I had ever hit. I added it to my bag in late July and while only playing a few rounds with it, kept in my bag for the WAGT National Championship where it helped me win my flight.

“Next stop was the World Championship in South Africa. After three rounds, I found myself in the lead heading into the final round. While I finished in third, 2 shots behind in the championship, it was the confidence that I had with my new High Heat 3 wood that put me in the position to win, had it not been a terrible day putting, I would have won my flight. I’m looking forward to putting the High Heat Driver and #3 hybrid in my bag.”

Dean Knuth, a former USGA Senior Director, designed High Heat metalwoods specifically with amateurs in mind because amateur golfers have much different performance needs than the Tour pros. The High Heat driver has a 25% deeper and 18% lower CG than major brands, and features Optimal CG Changer and Fire Zone Face technologies.

The Fire Zone Face Technology includes a unique face with a combination of seven different zones of variable thickness, including patented "parabolic" lobes at the top of the toe and heel of the face. This increases spring-like effect across the entire sweet spot zone while still conforming to USGA Rules and increasing the accuracy of High Heat.

High Heat’s 3-wood and hybrid feature a Beta Titanium cup face, providing a significantly increased spring-like effect across the entire face for extra distance and increased forgiveness compared to traditional steel faces that major brands offer. This is extremely important for amateurs who don’t always hit the center of the clubface.

At KnuthGolf.com, an online fitting is conducted to properly address the loft for the driver and which weight and flex is needed for the club shaft for any High Heat fairway wood or hybrid they purchase.

(RICHLAND, MI) - In anticipation of the grand opening next spring of one of the most exciting courses designed in Michigan in recent years, Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort in Augusta is stepping up its game with a stunning new restaurant that should be as exciting as the nearby golf holes that share the panoramic views over the Kalamazoo River.

Blue Stem restaurant, perched nearly 200 feet up on a ridge on the highest point in Kalamazoo County underscores the commitment the family-owned and operated resort is making to further enhance its reputation as one of the state’s top destination golf attractions.

For residents in the Battle Creek or Kalamazoo area, the restaurant is another choice for casual fine dining served up with unbeatable views halfway between both cities.

Despite its close proximity to the new links-style Stoatin Brae course, the glass and cut stone facility was created as a year-round attraction for entire area.

Three generations of one family - grandfather, Darl Scott; his son, Charles; and Charles’ son, Jonathan, the current president, have owned and developed the Gull Lake resort for more than half a century.

Bill Johnson, the resort’s vice president said the family is pleased with the buzz being generated by the new course as well as the addition of Blue Stem restaurant to the resort’s other dining amenities.
He said the resort’s new Executive Chef, Renee Hogge was selected not only for her culinary skills, but for her unique industry background of opening and running her own restaurants, plus more than a decade as executive chef at one of the state’s top private clubs.

“She has a terrific background in culinary arts and she brings great experience and a love of cooking,” he said. “She also has excellent management skills that will help with the training and consistency she brings to our existing staff. She is the perfect choice to launch the new restaurant.”
Hogge said she is excited to join the Scott family enterprise and believes she is up to the challenge of making Blue Stem a top area attraction.

“I spent many years in my own businesses, the Brighton Bar and Grill in Brighton and the Red Cedar Grill in Williamston, and 11 years at the Barton Hill Country Club in Ann Arbor,” she said. “After having my own business and all those years taking care of private club members, it’s a perfect way to meld not just the food and the customer service, but to make sure resort visitors have the perfect experience from the time they get out of their car until they get back in the car.”

Hogge, who said she is an unabashed foodie who loves to cook, also served as executive chef at the ionic Win Schuler Restaurant & Pub in Marshall.

She said just coming to work each day gets her and her staff pumped up. The building is gorgeous, the surroundings spectacular, she said.

“Everyone of us, as we come to work each day and get out of our cars we look around and drink in the scenery and then we go to work,” she said.

Hogge said the modern American menu she devised for Blue Stem came out of meetings with Jon Scott where she was able to soak in his vision for the restaurant.

“We wanted it to be interesting without being too far crazy,” she said. “I like to cook more traditional food but I don’t want it to taste traditional. We have a Golf course with a variety of Scottish traits. The restaurant is named after a prairie grass, native to Michigan and the Midwest. So we incorporated some traditional Scottish ingredients, using caraway seeds and leeks and cabbage in the menu, to blend the two countries together.” (Or ... sort of blending the two together - something simple along those lines. Direct and telling writers what we have. Not what the restaurant is not:)

“I like to cook food that makes people happy. I don’t have a stake in any specific type of food. I want everyone who eats here to leave saying that was a really great meal,” Hogge said.

Blue Stem is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

In addition to the restaurant and Stoatin Brae course, the owners have spent more than $1 million in the past two years renovating and refurbishing guest rooms, villas, and the resort’s original East Course Grill.

(JACKSONVILLE, FL) - Cure Putters, "The Fastest Growing Putter on The Champions Tour", announced today that they will be exhibiting in Booth #801 at the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show, scheduled for January 25-27th, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida as well as participating in the Demo Day, Tuesday, January 24th at Orange County National GC.

Cure will be showcasing their new 2017 RX and Classic Series putters, including their new CX3 Mallet. Cure will also be exhibiting a sample of custom offerings that will be made available through their custom shop later in the year.

"We are extremely proud and excited to introduce our 2017 line up at the PGA show," said Jim McCarthy, Cure CEO. "We have the best R&D team in the business and they are always looking for new ways to raise the bar and we've been fortunate to work with a ton of tour players on the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour this year who believe in our technology. We have also tested thousands of amateur players and all of the groups of have given us some valuable feedback which allowed us to fine tune certain aspects of our designs and further expand our offering to meet the needs of a wider range of players. We're thrilled with what has come out of that process and can't wait to share it with the world."

About the CX3 Classic Series
The CX3 mallet is the newest evolution of the award winning Cure Classic Series line. The CX3 offers a traditional mallet shape with Extremely High MOI and 48g of weight adjustability via 8 removable, 6g weight screws. The CX3 can be set up between 360 - 408g with an impressive MOI of 6,950 - 8,200 g/cm2.

The head is 100% precision milled in the USA from aircraft grade aluminum and has large tungsten weights in the heel and toe, giving the slightly oversized profile a higher MOI than comparable mallets, adding tremendous stability throughout the stroke and incredible forgiveness on mishits. The CX3 is available in both center shafted and heel shafted versions and is face balanced with 2.5° of loft and a spiral milled face that delivers a great feel and excellent roll.

About the 2017 RX Series - RX3, RX4, RX5
The 2017 Cure RX Series has extremely High MOI (up to 18,000 g/cm2), which delivers incredible stability throughout your stroke, helps you square the putter at impact and offers unmatched forgiveness on mishits. This translates to better distance and directional control and improved consistency. Fully customizable with a wide range of both weight and lie adjustability, you can easily dial in the perfect fit and feel to suit your stroke and tempo. The 2017 RX Series features an updated look with new alignment lines and black hardware.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

(Norrköping, Sweden) - Displaying further evidence of his commitment to golf and golfers, Henrik Stenson today announced the launch of his own eyewear brand, featuring a fantastic new collection of sunglasses developed specifically for golfers. Henrik Stenson Eyewear will showcase in Booth #3177 at the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show held January 25 - 27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

Golf fans around the world are well aware that sunglasses have been crucial to Henrik's success on the golf course. Suffering allergies and sensitivity to sunlight, Henrik wears a wrap-around design that, combined with lens technology, is optimized for golf performance. Thanks to his special requirements and experience, Henrik has gathered a huge amount of knowledge in the field of eyewear technology, and he is now ready to share this in the form of his own brand of sunglasses: Henrik Stenson Eyewear.

"I know how important it is to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that are suited to the task. Playing golf means exposure to hazardous sunlight and reflections for hours at a time so eye protection is essential, especially for children. With this in mind, we are also developing a special performance collection designed specifically for junior players," said Stenson.

"For your protection and performance" is the motto that will drive the development of Henrik Stenson Eyewear products. Stenson is personally involved in product development, and this has produced direct results in "Powereye" - a special lens technology for performance eyewear. The Powereye lens provides complete protection from the harmful rays of the sun, both Blue light and UV radiation. It effectively cuts glare as well as other visual and optical interference, thus helping to prevent eye fatigue. Moreover, the Powereye lens enhances contrast so that fairways and greens appear more distinctively, while simultaneously maintaining natural color balance.

PERFORMANCE, STREET AND OPTICAL
In addition to HS Performance for golfers, the eyewear brand will feature a Street collection of sunglasses for off-course use, as well as a special Optical range of frames for graded lenses. Retail sales will commence from selected outlets in early 2017.

While Foley is well known for his work with professional golfers such as Justin Rose and Tiger Woods, this is the first golf school to carry his name. Foley is a Canadian-born instructor who is one of Golf Digest's 50 Best Teachers in America.

EaglesDream Golf Academy, based at Timacuan Golf & Country Club in Lake Mary, FL, is a full-time residential program that offers training to all levels of golfers. The main focus is providing junior golfers a unique opportunity to develop big match temperament through elite golf training with world-class academics.

EaglesDream has a proven track record in preparing junior golfers for success in golf, college, business, and life.

"This is a terrific opportunity," Foley says. "I've worked with junior golfers for decades, and it has always been a major focus on my career. But my time on the PGA Tour made it difficult to do as much as I wanted to help kids reach their full potential. I'm still going to work with my professional clients, but when I was approached about doing this, I felt it was the right time in my career to really spend more time working with the next generations of great golfers."

Foley says this opportunity was presented to him by EaglesDream founders Jack and Claire Zhang. The husband-and-wife team first opened the boarding school at the course they own — Timacuan Golf and Country Club in Lake Mary — primarily to help promising Chinese junior golfers come to America and continue developing. Several of their former students have either committed to, or are playing for, Division I college golf teams.

The new academy will have an even more "global" enrollment, Foley says, likely including kids born in the U.S. and his native Canada. "It will remain small in terms of the total number of students," he adds. "We want to preserve the quality of interactions between the instructors and students."

Jack Zhang agrees: "Sean’s ability to closely connect with students on a soulful level, beyond just swing mechanics, is part of the great value he brings to this endeavor," he says. "Through this unique partnership, we hope to grow the game around the world."

The Foley Performance Academy at Eagles Dream will officially begin operations on January 1, 2017.

Timacuan Golf & Country Club, a semi-private facility opened in 1988, is a favorite choice for tournament directors nationally and locally. Timacuan has received rave reviews from the many PGA and LPGA Tour players who have competed in the $10,000 Timacuan Scramble during PGA Merchandise Show week each January.

“I really enjoyed the golf course,” said Graeme McDowell, the Irishman who won the U.S. Open in 2010. “It is a great layout with a links-like feel to it. It can be testy in places if you get off the beaten path, but it is a very fair course. And it is in great condition.”

Said LPGA Tour star Brittany Lincicome, “This is a terrific golf course. It is a good test of golf. You have to be able to move the ball around to be successful here.”

Bringing more than 20 years’ experience in sales and hospitality, Murray was most recently the Midwest Regional Sales Manager for the Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach in Miami. Previously she was the Assistant Director of Sales for the Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront and Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago. Murray started her career with the Xerox Corporation and has since worked with Hyatt Hotels and the Hospitality Performance Network. She was born, raised and currently lives in the Chicago suburbs.

“With a life-long familiarity of the Midwest region and a wealth of knowledge in sales and hospitality, Tracy will be an invaluable member of our team,” says Greg Saunders, Vice President, Managing Direct. “She brings resourcefulness and an innovative approach that’s primed to exceed goals and objectives.”

Fresh off its comprehensive multi-million dollar revitalization, PGA National Resort & Spa is a world-class golf, spa, vacation and meetings destination. The South Florida locale offers 90 holes of championship golf on five courses including the famed Champion Course, home to the popular PGA TOUR Honda Classic and legendary “Bear Trap.”

A distinguishing highlight at PGA National is its new 33,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Sports & Racquet Club (SRC). The impressive new facility features the latest exercise equipment, indoor racquet ball court, three aerobics studios with new sound systems, five-lane saltwater lap pool, spin room with video road mapping, indoor volleyball court, two Pickleball / POP tennis courts, and19 Har Tru tennis courts (11 lit for night play). PGA National is also home to the new Johan Kriek Tennis Academy, a world-class training facility run by two-time Australian Open champion Johan Kriek. Elite junior- and high-performance programs focus on stroke production, point construction, match play, video analyses, fitness, gym and mental training.

The Spa at PGA National is a 40,000-square-foot oasis of tranquility featuring 32 treatment rooms and areas with 100 diverse treatments, the exclusive “Waters of the World” outdoor mineral pools, full-service salon and relaxing lounge areas.

Conveniently located within easy driving distance of major Florida population centers, the AAA Four Diamond resort is 15 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), one hour from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and 90 minutes from Miami International Airport (MIA).

(Chicago, IL) - SuperSpeed Golf, uses a three-club set and proprietary video based training protocols to help golfers increase swing speed. The clubs are specifically weighted to be 20% lighter (green club), 10% lighter (blue club), and 5% heavier (red club) than a standard driver. The player starts with the lightest club (green) and makes swings in both the dominant and non-dominant direction. The body can move significantly faster during these swings because of the reduced weight of the club, about 19% faster than the player’s normal driver swing speed.

The player then moves on to the blue club (10% lighter) and again makes swings in the dominant and non-dominant direction. The company sees swings with this club usually about 16% faster than the player’s normal swing speed. This is because of the near proximity to the swings with the previous club, the brain and body feel that the faster speed is “normal.”

The player then moves on to the heaviest club, the red club, and repeats the dominant and non-dominant side swings. Even though this club is heavier, during the training the company sees an average of about 12% faster speed on these swings.

Typical results are about a 5% increase in actual swing speed when hitting a golf ball right after the training. This increase will become permanent for the player in about 4-8 weeks of regular practice with the training system.

The company recommends training with the system three times a week with a day off in between each session. Each training session takes about 10 minutes to complete. This makes the system very approachable for golfers of all abilities and ages with only a dedication of 30 minutes per week of training.

SuperSpeed Golf now has more than 150 PGA, LPGA, Champions, and European Touring Professionals working with the training system on a regular basis. Many photos of these players can be viewed on the testimonials page of the website, https://superspeedgolf.com/testimonials/.

The SuperSpeed Golf Training System can be ordered online at www.superspeedgolf.com and is also available in more than 18 countries around the world.

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – The Quarry at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, Minnesota was recently named to the “Top 50 Courses in the U.S. You Can Play” list developed by Matt Ginella of Golf Channel and Golf Advisor. The most recent accolade is the latest in a list of honors received by Giants Ridge in 2016.

In August, GOLF Magazine recognized Giants Ridge in three separate rankings, including:
- The Quarry at Giants Ridge named No. 54 on GOLF Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list for 2016/2017.
- The Quarry No. 1 and The Legend No. 7 in GOLF’s ranking of “The Best Courses You Can Play in Minnesota” for 2016/2017.
- The Quarry at Giants Ridge named to GOLF’s “The 10 Best Bargains in GOLF’s Top 100 Courses You Can Play” ranking.

Also in 2016, Golf Digest named Giants Ridge one the “Best Golf Resorts in the Midwest” in their annual Golf Digest Editor’s Choice Awards. And, Golf Advisor named Giants Ridge a “Top 10 Midwest Golf Destination”. Golf Advisor also recognized the 17th hole on The Legend Course as one of the “Best Iconic Par 3s in North America” in a May 2016 article.

(Co. Wicklow, IRELAND) - After a successful launch at the 2016 PGA Show, P2 Putter Grips is returning to the PGA Show in 2017 and will be introducing their new Tour range of grips in Booth #1219.

The unique patented design of the P2 Putter Grip allows the shaft to be positioned along the underside of the grip encouraging the golfer to position their hands and wrists higher at address. This off-center shaft design is proven through independent biomechanical testing to improve putting performance. Hand and wrist movement is restricted, producing better control of the putter face, with more putts being struck from the sweetspot.

P2 Grips tested by Quintic Consultancy revealed the following performance benefits:
- Putts were struck closer to sweetspot.
- Putter face was prevented from twisting open or closed at impact.
- Hook or slice spin was reduced
- Putts started closer to the intended starting line.

The new Tour range for 2017 features the same design, but weighs in at 50% lighter. The P2 grip through its shape and soft tacky texture promotes even grip pressure, while eliminating tension in the wrist and forearms. This helps the arms to swing freely, further enhancing a more stable, consistent and reliable pendulum putting stroke.

The P2 grips are available in 4 different oversize shapes, with 2 flat sided and 2 round sided models to choose from. The new Tour Aware (55g), Tour Classic (65g), Tour React (80g) and Tour Reflex (95g) will be available in two new colours options and are set to excite in 2017.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) - Troon the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing was at the center of the Middle East Golf Awards (MEGA), with its network of properties receiving eight prestigious awards. The global management organization manages 10 properties in the region, each of which are regarded as leaders in service, quality and hospitality.

Now in its fourth edition, the well-respected MEGA ceremony recognized the exceptional standards of golf venues throughout the Middle East region and awards are voted on by both the general public and a panel of experts. With an excellent array of products, experiences and professionals, the awards are blessed with an unusual pool of talent and quality from which to choose.

“This year’s plethora of awards is testament to the dedication of our teams,” commented Mark Chapleski, Area Managing Director/Senior Vice-President Troon Golf Middle East/Asia Pacific. “As a business Troon prides itself on delivering world-class standards 365 days a year and the best returns for our ownership groups. We are very proud of what we have achieved as a group and the individuals who were recognized for their outstanding performance.”

Within the Middle East portfolio, Troon-managed properties were awarded:
- Abu Dhabi Golf Club triumphed in two categories including ‘Best Overall Club Experience’ which was decided by a public vote considering important experience factors including customer service, accessibility to practice facilities, golf course value for money, food and beverage offerings, locker room facilities and added extras
- Abu Dhabi’s second award went to Danny Jakubowski who took home the coveted ‘Best Teaching Professional’ awarded for demonstrating great ability to improve players, exceptional enthusiasm to coaching and becoming an inspirational role model to pupils
- Saadiyat Beach Golf Club triumphed with the ‘Golf Course Maintenance Team of the Year’ award where judges recognized the all-round world-class standards of the Gary Player oceanfront course including the course’s sustainability and year-round playability
- Tom Rourke celebrated becoming Director of Golf of the year for his services at The Track Meydan Golf, one of the most unique properties in the Emirates, with its backdrop being the famous Dubai racecourse
- The Els Club Dubai celebrated success with the ‘Best F&B Team’ whose comprehensive food and beverage facilities have become a firm fixture with guests and residents in Dubai
- Elliot Gray was awarded the prestigious General Manager of the year for his role at Arabian Ranches in Dubai
- Collaboration of the Year saw The Track Meydan Golf and Golf DXB bringing golf to the local community providing a series of group programs to maximize the enjoyment of the game in a fun and engaging environment
- Abu Dhabi’s Director of Golf, Callum Nicholl, captured the PGA Order of Merit (Player of the Year) honours for an incredible sixth year in a row

The breadth of awards in this highly competitive market demonstrates Troon’s comprehensive service ability, commitment to nurturing talent and passion to create the ultimate experience for guests and members.

Troon also set the standard on innovation, providing a host of unique events, both on and off the course, engaging membership packages and tailored services for international inbound visitors.

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in golf course management, development, and marketing, has been selected to manage Potowomut Golf Club in Warwick, Rhode Island. Potowomut (pronounced pot-oh-wah-mut) is a historic private facility that features an 18-hole Walter Johnson-designed golf course. Johnson was a 17-year associate of Donald Ross.

Potowomut Golf Club was established in 1927 and is set on an old Indian campsite and former dairy farm. The word "potowomut" meant "land of fires" to the Narragansett Indians. The member-owned club has nearly 300 members who enjoy Potowomut’s family-oriented golf and social culture. The 6,380 yard tree-lined layout has progressed from fertile farmland to verdant fairways. The club’s heralded junior program has produced a number of state and regional champions.

“After an extensive interview process, we chose Troon to operate and manage Potowomut,” said John Harnett, president, Potowomut Golf Club. “Our members are excited for Troon to lead our club and to further enhance the golf experience, food and beverage operations and member activities.”

The Potowomut clubhouse features an expansive and well-stocked golf shop, men’s and women’s locker rooms, while the club’s 19th hole is home to the clubhouse bar and grille. In addition, the recently renovated patio overlooks the 18th green and offers members and guests a relaxing outdoor dining option.

“Potowomut Golf Club has a rich history dating back to the 1920s,” said Ryan Walls, president, Troon Privé. “Our team will look to raise the service levels and improve the overall golf experience.”
For more information on Potowomut Golf Club, visit www.potowomut.com or call (401) 885-8700.

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida has been named as a “Top 100 Platinum Club of America” by the Club Leaders Forum, the preeminent consulting source in the private club industry and publisher of The Forum magazine. Frenchman’s Reserve placed No. 98 on the prestigious listing of the Top 150 Country Clubs.

Platinum Clubs of America status in the private club industry has been the most revered since the franchise was established in 1997. Recognizing the top 5% of private clubs in the nation, as selected by club managers, presidents and owners, the Platinum Clubs of America vote is taken in the fall of even years. Platinum Club status is awarded to clubs in five categories: country club, golf club, city club, athletic club, and yacht club. The seven selection criteria include:
- Universal Recognition
- Excellence in Amenities and Facilities
- Caliber of Staff and Professional Service Levels
- Quality of Membership
- Governance & Prudent Fiscal Management
- Adapting to Changing Times
- Overall Experience

“We are honored to be recognized by the Club Leaders Forum as one of the top private clubs in America,” said Jay Walkinshaw, general manager, Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club. “Our team strives to deliver excellence to members and guests daily across our entire operation, from golf and tennis to food and beverage, spa and event programming. For Frenchman’s Reserve to be voted as one of the top private clubs, it’s extremely gratifying for our members and associates.”

In addition, the Frenchman’s Reserve team is planning the next phase of enhancements at the club. Improvements will focus on further elevating the member experience with expanded fitness areas, new dining options and enhanced spa facilities.

Managed by Troon Privé, Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club offers a relaxed, private club atmosphere. The club’s spectacular Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course is one of the property’s many impressive features. In addition to the golf course, other world-class amenities include a state-of-the-art clubhouse, a rejuvenating spa and fitness center, formal and casual dining options, seven lighted clay tennis courts, multi-sports court, a resort style outdoor pool and whirlpool, kid’s korner and playground, men and women’s locker facilities, and eight beautiful guest suites for visitors to the club and out-of-town guests.

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – As the calendar gives way to a new year, Golf Channel will wrap up 2016 with a series of themed programming, led by a commemoration of the life and legacy of The King, featuring Arnold Palmer, on Saturday, Dec. 24, including the four-part Arnie documentary. Other highlights include:

Monday, December 19, 2016

Play Three Exceptional Courses, Oceanfront Accommodations Available, Many Extras

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) – Mystical Golf – offering "Myrtle Beach’s finest 54 holes of golf” on its acclaimed Witch, Man-O-War and Wizard courses – is partnering with MyrtleBeachGolf.com for a value-packed spring stay-and-play package in the golf capital of the U.S.
Starting at $370 per golfer from March 16 – May 28, the “Mystical Three-Round Special” features play on the trio of Mystical Golf courses which are consistently recognized by Golf Channel to be among Myrtle Beach’s “five best courses” and “best values.” The Witch and Man-O-War courses are ranked in the “Top 15 Courses in South Carolina” in Golf Channel’s Golf Advisor rater reviews.

With a savings of up to $144 per foursome, the offer additionally includes four nights’ lodging in a wide selection of accommodation options including oceanfront stays. Also included are lunch and two beers at the course each day. Complimentary valet parking is available at select properties. For more information or to book, call 866.524.5364.

“Spring in Myrtle Beach is the ideal time of year to enjoy our three extraordinary courses and all the fun to be had on the Grand Stand,” says Claude Pardue, President and CEO of Mystical Golf. “Plus, MyrtleBeachGolf.com offers an incredible array of lodging options for any and all budgets.”

Mystical Golf’s three layouts are highlighted by wonderfully fun elements including the only back-to-back island greens in the game (Man-O-War), a front nine of dramatic holes weaving through secluded swampland teeming with wildlife (The Witch), and a splendid layout reminiscent of Scotland and Ireland’s classic courses complete with authentic sod-faced bunkering and castle-style clubhouse (The Wizard).

(RELEASE) - Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly announced the creation of the Chicago Parks Golf Alliance (CPGA), a group to be led by Mark Rolfing, who will serve as the organization’s President and Founder. In partnership with the City and Park District, the CPGA aims to restore and improve the existing golf courses at Jackson Park and South Shore Golf Courses to create an economic and recreational asset for the South Side of Chicago.

"This is more than simply a unique opportunity to restore a historic public golf course, it’s a unique opportunity to drive resources and investments on the South Side," said Mayor Emanuel. "And even with this restoration the course will remain a real community asset because we're going to ensure that the neighborhood golfers who have been hitting the links here for years will be able to continue to access and enjoy it at a reduced rate."

The idea to restore the historic golf courses – Jackson Park opened in 1899 and South Shore Golf Course opened in 1907 – is not a new idea, as a framework plan created by the Park District in 2000 contained various recommendations for the South Lakefront area, one of which proposed upgrading the two golf courses.

The not-for-profit CPGA will oversee fundraising and development of a combined and upgraded golf facility, which would be situated within the confines of the existing two golf courses. The golf course restoration would tentatively begin in 2017, financed primarily through private funds generated through the CPGA. Completion of the course, which would allow players to start and finish their rounds at either South Shore or Jackson Park, as well as the completion of a short course for the entire family, is targeted for late 2020.

In launching the CPGA, Mark Rolfing, an award winning Golf Course Developer and NBC Golf Channel Analyst, also announced the golf course restoration would be designed by Tiger Woods’ TGR Design.

“It’s an honor for me and TGR Design to be designing this golf course in one of America’s greatest golf cities,” said Woods. “This project can create incredible possibilities for the community on the South Side. We want to design a course that everyone will enjoy.”

Additionally, the CPGA will work with the Chicago-based Western Golf Association to promote caddie programs that will help young men and women from nearby neighborhoods earn the prestigious Evans Scholarship and create a venue worthy of hosting its flagship PGA TOUR event, the BMW Championship.

According to Western Golf Association and Evans Scholars Foundation President and CEO John Kaczkowski, “The Western Golf Association enthusiastically welcomes this opportunity to grow our game and change the lives of deserving young men and women in a city that means so much to our organization. We envision this facility serving as a pipeline for the Evans Scholarship Program, which has sent more than 11,000 caddies to college since 1930. Restoring the South Shore and Jackson Park courses could provide a compelling site for future PGA TOUR events, including the BMW Championship, as early as 2021 when the event is expected to return to Chicago.”

Lisa Quinn, Executive Director of The First Tee of Greater Chicago, concurs, “We are proud to participate in this exciting project that will no doubt rejuvenate participation in the game of golf. Its youth initiatives will ensure a safe place to play and opportunities to develop as players and be successful in the formative years. It will enable us to increase our programs which have been active at South Shore and Jackson Park for more than 15 years, expand the Chicago Park District Junior League and reach thousands of more youth on an annual basis.”

PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem states, "As one of the longest continuous host organizations of a PGA TOUR tournament, we are delighted to see the Western Golf Association's involvement with this project. The possibility of bringing the BMW Championship to this facility is one that we are willing to consider as the various pieces of this initiative come together. Tiger Woods’ involvement gives us great confidence in the quality of the design and direction for the project in terms of bringing golf to young people. The integration of The First Tee of Greater Chicago into the overall Master Plan of this project is also extremely exciting."

Mark Rolfing, a Chicago area native, concludes “Over the past few years, I have enjoyed meeting many avid golfers on the South Shore and Jackson Park courses. The community’s passion for the site motivates the vision to enhance these lakefront facilities they are already so proud of."

The Chicago Park District oversees six public golf courses (Sydney Marovitz, Jackson Park, South Shore, Columbus Park, Marquette Park and Robert A. Black), a driving range/practice facility at Diversey Range, a driving range at Jackson Park and a practice facility at Douglas Park.

(ORLANDO, FL) – LITTLE GOLF T.R.A.I.N., an age-appropriate, developmentally correct way to introduce children ages 2-5 to golf, will hold a half-day certification training session on Tuesday morning, Jan. 24, in Orlando. The session will be open to both prospective teachers wishing to become Certified Conductors (instructors) and for current Certified Conductors who would like to supplement their knowledge and training.

The admission fee for new Conductors is $425 (discounted from the online training fee of $695) and includes a hands-on seminar, light breakfast, materials and access to online post-class certification. The location is The Library at Marriott Grand Vista, 12001 Avenida Verde, Orlando, FL 32821. The session runs from 8 am - 11:30 am, conveniently timed so participants can then attend the PGA Show Demo Day.

Founder Patricia Donnelly, PhD, and Co-Founder Nicole Weller, PGA/LPGA, will conduct the training session in Orlando. They are targeting PGA and LPGA Teaching Professionals. For details on how to become a Certified Conductor (instructor) and gain access to 24 manuals and three types of kits to run a program, as well as Little Golf T.R.A.I.N. merchandise, click on www.littlegolfTRAIN.com.

At the 2016 PGA Show, Dr. Donnelly and Ms. Weller delivered a groundbreaking, one-hour presentation in the 2,500-seat Chapin Theatre at the Orange County Convention Center at the PGA Youth and Family Golf Summit. Their topic focused on how to introduce very young children (ages 2-5) to golf in a developmentally correct way. Their presentation sparked great interest and lively discussion among the international group of attendees. Since that time, Little Golf T.R.A.I.N. Certified Conductors have come on board from six different countries, and the number of Conductors is growing every month.

“Parents and coaches want our youngest golfers to truly enjoy the game and learn the correct fundamentals, but many young children are taught as if they are little adults, which doesn’t foster a love of golf,” says Dr. Donnelly, a world-renowned educational sport psychotherapist. “That’s why we developed the T.R.A.I.N. approach, which is based on teaching through play.” Says Weller, Head Teaching Professional at The Landings Club, in Savannah, GA.: “Our program is rooted in early-childhood, age-appropriate techniques and is designed to foster joy in learning about the game. Our goal is to certify golf professionals and pre-school educators around the world so they can introduce children to golf in an age-appropriate way while growing their own business.”

Sunday, December 18, 2016

(RELEASE) - Club Champion, the country’s No. 1 premium club fitter, builder, and retailer of the best brands in golf has signed an endorsement deal with world-renowned golf coach David Leadbetter to spread the word on the benefits of club fitting. With advances in golf club technology, most golfers could easily hit the ball further and more accurately. Yet a Golf Magazine study found that 90% of U.S. golfers may be playing with improperly fit clubs.

David Leadbetter

Leadbetter is a Golf Digest top-4 instructor and has coached players to 20 major championship titles and over 100 individual worldwide tournament victories. Seven of those players have been ranked No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings. When it comes to understanding the importance of having properly fitted golf clubs, no one is better qualified than Leadbetter to speak on the subject.

According to Club Champion President Joe Lee, “David is an ideal representative for Club Champion. His reputation as a top instructor and his understanding of club fitting make him uniquely qualified to speak to golfers on the topic of fitting.

For more than 30 years, David has operated the Leadbetter Academy. He and his instructors have seen countless players fall short of their potential because of improperly fitted golf equipment. David states, “A club fitting will definitely help any golfer play better. My students all benefited from club fitting. Lessons are critical, but if you’re fighting your equipment, you can only progress so far. Properly fitted clubs will make it much easier to lower your scores. I’m confident, Club Champion will find the perfect clubs for you.”

Club Champion is the leader in club fitting and is ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best Club Fitters six years running. The company hires experienced fitters who then receive an additional 150+ hours of training before starting; a training program that is unmatched in the golf industry. Club Champion’s unique coupling system combines any head and shaft together, so golfers hit the precise combination to be custom built for them. With more than 35,000 interchangeable head and shaft combinations, they deliver a Tour-quality fitting that produces longer, more accurate shots, with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate. Their approach is unbiased; no specific vendor is promoted. The only goal - find the best combination of components to lower your scores. Rather than having to change your swing, sometimes dramatically, a professional club fitting takes the swing that you have and optimizes the performance characteristics of the clubs to allow golfers to achieve the best result possible. For more information or to schedule a fitting, call Club Champion at 888-340-7820

"It is always a pleasure to experience the PGA Merchandise Show, but this year will be extra special as we will be displaying the world's first* golf laser rangefinder, featuring Optical Vibration Reduction Technology," said Scott Crawford, Senior Sales Manager for Nikon Sport Optics.

During the PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day, scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, at the Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge in Orlando, Nikon Sport Optics will showcase its new Nikon COOLSHOT 80i/80 VR Golf Laser Rangefinders to influential PGA Professionals and VIP retailers.

From Wednesday, Jan. 25 to Friday, Jan. 27, Nikon Sport Optics will exhibit on the show floor in the equipment hall at the Orange County Convention Center.

* As of September 5, among dedicated golfing rangefinders that have already been released. Researched by Nikon Vision.

Friday, December 16, 2016

(RELEASE) - Hy-Vee Supermarket Company is the new co-sponsor of the Pepsi Little People’s Family Celebration Picnic.

Hy-Vee will join Refreshment Services Pepsi, WGEM and The Quincy Herald Whig in co-sponsoring this very popular event for Little People’s players, families, sponsors and others interested in junior golf.

“Hy-Vee will also cater the event with all the food people like to eat at a picnic,” stated Nan Ryan, Little People’s Executive Director.

Hy-Vee is an employee-owned chain of more than 240 supermarkets located throughout the Midwest.

“We are extremely pleased to add Hy-Vee to our picnic co-sponsors,” added Ryan. “The company has been very supportive of Little People’s and its events for the past several years.”

“Hy-Vee is very proud to be a sponsor and partner of such a great event that brings all these young golfers to Quincy,” stated Broadway Store Director Steve Labs.

The Picnic will be June 19, 2017, at the Knights of Columbus McGivney Hall, following practice rounds for the 44th annual Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships.

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) – TaylorMade Golf Company announced today that Benoit Vincent, Chief Technical Officer of Research and Development, has decided to retire from the Golf industry and is set to depart TaylorMade Golf in late 2017. Succeeding Vincent will be current Vice President of Metalwood Product Development and 22-year veteran of the company, Todd Beach. Beach’s contributions to TaylorMade’s metalwoods are among the most successful in the industry. In the interim, Vincent will remain on staff through the transition as EVP, continuing the management of a team of more than eighty research and development staff of metalwoods, irons, putters, wedge and golf ball engineers.

Vincent graduated from the Institute National des Sciences Appliquées, Lyon, France with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 1983. He began his engineering career conducting research on turbocharged airplane engines before joining TaylorMade Golf in 1989. During his time with the company, Vincent has spearheaded many of the company’s most successful products, starting with TaylorMade’s groundbreaking Movable Weight Technology under whose umbrella falls the r7, R9, R11 and R1 series of metalwoods. Other historic products launched during his tenure include the iconic white R11 driver; the RocketBallz fairway wood with TaylorMade’s patented Speed Slot, RocketBladez irons, which utilize iconic Speed Pocket technology and most recently, the M1 & M2 metalwoods and irons family, the company’s most innovative high-performance products to date that are played by more Tour players than any other manufacturer.

Vincent is also credited with the formation of the golf ball division of TaylorMade and the creation of the first and only five-layer Tour ball on the market. He is now responsible for golf club and ball research & development, engineering and sourcing while managing engineering teams in four different countries.

In addition to his contributions in a working capacity, Benoit is a true champion of TaylorMade culture and has helped guide, mentor and coach many of our leaders. From a young age, Vincent has held a passion for the field of psychology and mental health. So much so, after a remarkably successful 27-year career with TaylorMade, he has made the decision to return to school in a graduate Psychology program to further his education.

"Over the course of his 27 years with TaylorMade, Benoit has made a lasting impact on the industry. From his brilliant mind, his willingness to take risks and his ability to empower his team, I can’t say enough about what a staple and visionary he has been for not only our company, but for the game of golf as well. Although we will miss him, I have the utmost confidence that Todd and our Research and Development team will continue to create innovative, game-changing products that will continue to excite golfers." -David Abeles, TaylorMade President & CEO

Over the course of the next several months, Vincent will continue to be dedicated to helping his team transition and will be here full time until he leaves late in 2017 to begin his studies.

Todd Beach

Upon his departure, Todd Beach will have full scope of the Research Development Engineering Sourcing (RDES) team. For the past 17 years, Beach has worked under Vincent’s leadership and has led the metalwoods team for the last 15 years. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Engineering Sciences and his master’s degree in Applied Mechanics from UCSD, Beach started his career at TaylorMade in 1995 as an engineer in product development. In 2003 he became the director of the metalwood product development and was then promoted to Vice President in 2012.

"After working alongside Todd for so many years and watching him evolve, I know that he is the right person to oversee the RDES team. What he has been able to accomplish with the metalwoods team demonstrates he has the creative mindset, foresight and leadership ability to propel the team forward." -David Abeles, TaylorMade President & CEO

Cobra Golf’s "Size Matters" tagline for the new King Cobra Oversize irons is something to discuss another day on another blog. For the purpose of this blog, however, we took a set out for a test.

King Cobra OS on right

First things first ... The size. These aren’t freaky big, like a novelty set or something Fred Flintstone would’ve swung back in the day. Bigger than traditional? Slightly, but nothing that will jump right out at you (see right).

One of the benefits of the size is and increased moment of inertia (MOI). This helps generate more ball speed on a consistent basis. As you can imagine, a larger club can also allow for a larger sweet spot. Along with more ball speed, we’re talking about more forgiveness.

Every amateur would love to create more ball speed, while maintaining control. That’s the idea behind Cobra’s enlarged “sweet zone.” The construction of the face moved the weld out to the topline and down to the sole. This created a sweet zone (see bottom right) that is 12 percent larger than the popular F6 in the mid-irons, 7 percent larger in the long irons and 5 percent larger in the wedges.

Personally, I hit my irons very high. Maybe too high. But for those who struggle getting lift, the King Cobra OS irons are for you. Why? Because the hollow body and lower center of gravity produce a higher launch ... coupled with a buttery soft feel.

Enlarged Sweet Zone

A few years ago, a buddy of mine put a 3-wood in his bag that had a funny name. I won’t go into specifics, but it was made by one of the largest golf manufacturers. The ball would JUMP off the face because of a trampoline effect. Cobra’s PWRSHELL does the same thing. Amazing.

Another terrific feature of these irons ... “Progressive Spin Technology.” King Cobra OS irons have V-grooves on the 4-6 irons to reduce spin, U-grooves on the 7-PW to optimize spin, and wedge-spaced grooves on the GW and SW for extra spin where you need it - around the green.

I took the King Cobra OS irons for a side-by-side comparison with my “gamers” and was impressed with their performance. From 5-iron through pitching wedge, I was seeing an average of 5 mph more ball speed with Cobra and up to 8 additional yards (5-iron).

A thin face, large sweet spot and low CG combine to make the King Cobra OS irons the surprise of the season for me. With easy distance and pin-seeking accuracy, my current gamers will likely be sitting out 2017.

Like anything we review on American Golfer, we suggest you try before you buy. Golf balls are easy - purchase a sleeve of several makes/models and play a few holes with each. The cost of irons and woods make that a bit difficult, of course. Visit your local professional or golf retailer and try them for yourself. Take your irons and conduct your own side-by-side test. I think you'll be impressed.

Find out more about the King Cobra OS irons and other products at cobragolf.com.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

New Book Reveals Turbulent Story Behind Underdog Pitcher Turned World Series Star

(CAMBRIDGE, Mass.) — 3 Swallys Press announces the release of Jim Hawkins’s latest baseball biography, Jack Sanford: From Blightville to the Big Leagues, the story of the famed San Francisco Giants All-Star pitcher and father of golf course architect John Sanford, with a foreword by former Red Sox star Luis Tiant, and a prologue by six-time All-Star and inspiration for Cheers character Sam Malone, Sam (“Sudden Sam”) McDowell.

Jack and John Sanford

Despite all odds, and a grueling nine-year stint in the minors that would dash most any other ballplayer’s hope of reaching the major leagues, Jack Sanford found himself starring in the dramatic 1962 World Series Game Seven against the mighty New York Yankees. This is the story of Jack’s turbulent journey from a working-class childhood in Wellesley, Massachusetts, to baseball’s ultimate stage; it is the story of perseverance in the face of continual discouragement; and it is the story of one boy’s greatest dream turning, in an instant, into the unshakable nightmare that would haunt him the rest of his life.

About the author: Jim Hawkins’s award-winning career covering Major League Baseball has spanned half a century. He has written eight books, including biographies of Detroit Tigers Hall of Famer Al Kaline, Jack Sanford’s Massachusetts hunting buddy Mark “The Bird” Fidrych, and ex-convict Ron LeFlore.

In 2013, he was nominated for the Baseball Hall of Fame’s J.G. Taylor Spink Award, the highest honor that a baseball writer can receive. He is a member of Athletic and Academic Hall of Fame in his hometown of Superior, Wisconsin.

We featured John Sanford of Sanford Golf Design in a "Getting to Know ...". Read it HERE.

(UPLAND, CA) - SCNS Sports Foods, marketer and distributor of the popular 1st Tee and 10th Tee nutrition and energy bars, have announced its participation at the PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. SCNS will exhibit in Booth #2215 from January 25-27, 2017.

“I have been eating the 1st Tee and 10th Tee bars for quite a while now,” said PGA Tour Pro Scott Langley recently. “They really deliver what they advertise. They help provide the focus and energy you need to perform your best, and they taste great.”

Last month, SCNS announced the release of four new Plus+ Bars, which replaced the original four 1st Tee and 10th Tee bars that had been on the market since 2001. Attendees at the upcoming PGA Show will the opportunity to sample the new Plus+ bars, which are free of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors.

SCNS bars are sold and marketed to golfers through 2,500 green grass outlets and online through the company’s website. For more information on SCNS Sports Foods and the 1st and 10th Tee bars, visit www.golfenergybar.com.

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in golf course management, development, and marketing, has been selected to manage The Club at Porto Cima in Sunrise Beach, Missouri on the Lake of the Ozarks. The Club at Porto Cima (pronounced chima) is a private facility and features an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, a 17,000 square-foot clubhouse and a Yacht Club.

The Nicklaus Signature Course is the focal point of The Club at Porto Cima with seven holes that play beside or over the lake. The golf course opened for play in 2000 and is considered one of Missouri’s top courses by Golf Digest.

“The golf course, clubhouse and yacht club at The Club at Porto Cima are all gorgeous and the lakeside setting is spectacular,” said Ryan Walls, president, Troon Privé. “The Brown Family has done an outstanding job of building a beautiful club for members and their guests. We’re excited to work with The Club at Porto Cima.”

The club’s Mediterranean-style golf clubhouse features a beautiful golf shop, men’s and ladies locker rooms – each with its own fitness area – meeting and banquet space, plus multiple food and beverage options in The Grille Room Restaurant, the 19th Hole Lounge, a private member dining room as well as outdoor dining overlooking the 18th hole and the Lake of the Ozarks.

The Yacht Club, located adjacent to the golf clubhouse, features a 200-slip marina, a marina clubhouse, member swimming pool, tennis courts and a poolside dining option. While the surrounding Club at Porto Cima community offers single-family residential lots, custom homes and custom townhome products.

“Our vision with The Club at Porto Cima has always been to provide an unparalleled member experience,” said Peter Brown Sr., owner, The Club at Porto Cima. “Through our new partnership with Troon, we will further elevate our level of service, member activities and member benefits. And, Troon will help introduce The Club at Porto Cima to a larger, more national audience.”

For more information on The Club at Porto Cima, visit www.portocima.com or call (573) 207-8700.

Seminole Golf Club and Cypress Point Club Will Host Biennial Team Competition

(FAR HILLS, N.J.) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced Seminole Golf Club, in Juno Beach, Fla., and Cypress Point Club, in Pebble Beach, Calif., as the host sites for the 2021 Walker Cup Match and 2025 Walker Cup Match, respectively.

The 48th Walker Cup Match is scheduled for May 8-9, 2021. It will mark the first time that the biennial team competition between 10 amateur players representing the United States and 10 amateur players representing Great Britain and Ireland will be held in the spring on U.S. soil. The dates of the 50th Walker Cup Match are Sept. 6-7, 2025. The international competition will return to Cypress Point for the first time since 1981, the club’s only previous USGA competition.

“The selections of Seminole Golf Club and Cypress Point Club as Walker Cup venues are emblematic of what George Herbert Walker intended when he helped create the first Match in 1922,” said Stuart Francis, USGA Championship Committee chairman. “To have two of the United States’ greatest courses as host sites will not only produce memorable competitions but reinforces the stature of amateur golf in this country.”

Seminole Golf Club will host its first USGA event and the first Walker Cup Match in the state of Florida. The course was designed by Donald Ross and opened for play in 1929. The course’s routing encompasses two dune ridges, one that peaks to the west and another along the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Members have included U.S. presidents, business and industry leaders and golf elite. Ben Hogan, a four-time U.S. Open champion, practiced and played there, while Henry Picard, who won two major professional titles, served as club professional for 26 years.

Seminole Golf Club has also been a friend to amateur golf and annually hosts the George L. Coleman Invitational. USGA champions and USA Walker Cup Team members Michael McCoy (2015) and Tim Jackson (1995, 1999) are recent Coleman champions.

“Seminole Golf Club is honored to host the 2021 Walker Cup Match and the best amateur players from both sides of the Atlantic,” said Jimmy Dunne, club president. “The club and its membership are proud to showcase Donald Ross’ architectural masterpiece to a worldwide audience.”

Cypress Point Club was designed by Alister MacKenzie in collaboration with Robert Hunter and opened for play in 1929. Beginning in coastal dunes, the course then enters the Del Monte Forest before remerging to rocky coastline along the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the 28th Walker Cup, the club hosted “The Match,” a 1956 four-ball competition between professionals Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson and amateurs Ken Venturi and Harvie Ward, and was one of three courses used for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am for more than 40 years.

The Walker Cup Match will be held in California for the third time and west of the Mississippi River for the fifth time. In 1981 at Cypress Point, the USA defeated Great Britain and Ireland, 15-9. Jodie Mudd, a two-time USGA champion, and Corey Pavin, who went on to win the 1995 U.S. Open, were the USA’s top point producers. GB&I’s Roger Chapman, the 2012 U.S. Senior Open winner, won twice in singles play and one foursomes match.

“The members of the Cypress Point Club are honored to give back to the game of golf and share our wonderful treasure with one of the world’s greatest amateur competitions,” said Peter K. Barker, club president. “We have been proud to host a number of notable match-play events throughout our club’s history. In all, the course and the competitors performed superbly. We enthusiastically look forward to the 2025 Walker Cup.”

The Walker Cup Match is played over two days and consists of 18 singles matches and eight foursomes (alternate-shot) matches. The USA leads the overall series, 35-9-1, but each side has won seven times since 1989. Four of those 14 matches have been decided by one point.

The 46th Walker Cup Match will be played at The Los Angeles (Calif.) Country Club’s North Course, Sept. 9-10, 2017, and the 47th Match will be held at Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake), in Merseyside, England, Sept. 7-8, 2019. The site of the 2023 Match has not been announced.